Check out this link http://parenting.ivillage.com/mom/structure/0,,n6lv,00.html for some great tips for single moms raising boys. It really helps you understand things from the boy's perspective and how to handle their moods. Sometimes as moms we want to hug and kiss and cuddle the problems away, but boys have their own way of handling things. They will still always need their mom, but unfortunately you cannot replace the role of a man. So the next best thing is to think like one and remember that they work differently. Consider even soliciting a good male friend for help at times with your son. And remember mothers intuition, so if you feel your child is hiding something from you, by all means feel free to be as pushy as you need to be.